LIBERATION. WHETHER THEY WANT IT OR NOT.
After leaving Dogville, Grace (Bryce Dallas Howard) passes a Southern plantation where the owner still keeps slaves and decides to teach everyone there a lesson about democracy. Director Lars Von Trier’s sequel to Dogville (2003) uses the same theatrical set-up and once again his cinematographer employs effective visual tricks. However, Howard is less than engaging a lead, the movie is outright boring and the director’s criticism of the U.S. predictable, simplistic and smug.
2005-Denmark-Sweden-The Netherlands-France-Germany-Britain. 139 min. Color. Widescreen. Written and directed by Lars Von Trier. Cinematography: Anthony Dod Mantle. Cast: Bryce Dallas Howard (Grace Mulligan), Isaach de Bankolé (Timothy), Danny Glover (Wilhelm), Willem Dafoe, Jeremy Davies, Lauren Bacall… Chloë Sevigny, Udo Kier. Narrated by John Hurt.
Trivia: Nicole Kidman and James Caan originally intended to repeat their roles from Dogville, but dropped out. John C. Reilly was also originally cast, but left the production when a donkey was killed for a scene.